Taylor Swift branched out and tried new things on Red. The country/pop star decided to work with other writers and producers for her fourth album, and it’s sure to gain more success for her in the pop world. Taylor doesn’t stray too far from her comfort zone, though, as the album still features the simple melodies, guitar-driven beats and lyrics about love and longing that she’s become known for. Taylor may not have grown lyrically, but she’s not bashing her ex-boyfriends, as much, instead choosing to remember the good things about the past.
Red is the perfect follow up to Speak Now, featuring the youthful and vulnerable lyrics that fans expect from Taylor but with catchier beats that are sure to make fans want to dance and sing along!!
State Of Grace – During a Good Morning America appearance, Taylor revealed that “State Of Grace” would have a huge sound, and she wasn’t lying!!! Taylor has had quite a few public heartbreaks, but she still believes in the kind of love that’s paralyzing and life changing. “You come around and the armor falls. Pierce the room like a cannon ball, now all we know is don’t let go,” Taylor sings in the Red opener, and it feels like a first kiss, and fireworks, and absolute bliss.
Red -Taylor assigns colors to her emotions in the title track “Red.” Upon first listen I wasn’t crazy about this song, but it’s grown on me. It’s juvenile and simple, but isn’t that what Taylor’s famous for?
Treacherous – Taylor Swift can make the sexiest of lines seem innocent (“I’ll do anything you say if you say it with your hands.”). “Treacherous” is another song about Taylor’s favorite kind of love….the complicated and tumultuous kind. This arrangement reminds me of Speaks Now.
I Knew You Were Trouble – I know I said I didn’t like this song a few weeks ago, but it’s seriously one of my favorites from the album now. The repetitive verses, hints of dubstep, and chant-worthy chorus are just IRRESISTIBLE. “I knew you were trouble when you walked in, so shame on me,” Taylor sings, over the Max Martin beat, about a love that was doomed from the start. It’s cheesy pop at it’s best, and no one does that better than Taylor.
All Too Well – Snooozeee. “All Too Well” is a song about remembering the past. The track features a huge sound, but Taylor gets lost in it all.
22 – This BETTER be a single. “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22. Everything will be alright if I’m standing next to you. You don’t know about me, but I bet you want to,” Taylor chants over the chorus between verses full of dressing like hipsters and being a typical moody, insanely confused young adult. It’s soooo good!
I Almost Do – Taylor misses an old love in “I Almost Do.” This sentimental, guitar-driven track reminds me Taylor’s debut album. You know when she was actually sort of country?
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – The first single that got everyone chanting and singing along. The sarcastic, conversational verses still reminds me of Kate Nash (but more pop-ish) in all of the right ways!
Stay Stay Stay – Taylor sometimes reminds me of Willie Jones (X Factor USA). Like the X Factor hopeful, Taylor’s country accent manages to appear and disappear on her command. “Stay Stay Stay” features Taylor’s man-made Southern drawl, and a story about staying through all of the drama. It’s not her best lyrically, either.
The Last Time ft. Gary Lightbody – Clearly I didn’t pay attention to the tracklisting that I posted, because I had NO idea Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol appeared on this album. I’m a HUGE fan, and he could probably create a song about his love for raisin bran cereal and my heart would flutter. Seriously, it’s something about his voice that reads incredibly tragic and breaks my heart EVERY TIME and mixed with Taylor it’s a pretty irresistible sound. The song is, of course, about heartbreak, but you should’ve guessed that considering the two artists. Easily one of my favorites from the album.
Holy Ground – Taylor speeds things up on “Holy Ground,” telling a tale, once again, of the good ol days. Unlike the rest of the songs that reminisce on the past, this song isn’t sad. Instead, Taylor looks back at the good times without letting the nostalgia completely ruin her. “Tonight I’m gonna dance, like you were in this room. But I don’t wanna dance if I’m not dancing with you,” Taylor sings, choosing to drown out the hurt with good times instead of wallowing.
Starlight – Remember when you got dressed up and went out with your love, and nothing else mattered? Taylor does, again. “Starlight” features a big sound and even bigger dreaming similar “Love Story.” It’s fun, and reminiscent of Taylor’s previous hits, but I don’t love it.
Sad Beautiful Tragic – Taylor swift is best stripped down and brutally honest. “Words how little they mean when they’re a little too late,” she laments in “Sad Beautiful Tragic.” Taylor says she wrote the perfectly titled tune on her tour bus one night after a show, while reminiscing on a relationship that had ended months ago.
The Lucky One – This catchy tune reminds me of Britney Spears’ “Lucky.” The song tells the tale of a rising star who gets famous and realizes she’s not as lucky as everyone thinks she is. Lack of privacy and empty relationships are just a few of the fictional starlets issues. “And they tell you that you’re lucky but you’re so confused. Because you don’t feel pretty, you just feel used. And all of the young things line up to take your place ,” Taylor sings. Years later Taylor is the famous one, and she more than understands the star’s lives and her decision to remove her self from the spotlight. Taylor is a great storyteller, and this song is absolute proof of that.
Everything Has Changed ft. Ed Sheeran – Both Taylor and Ed have a very loyal following from the pre-teen and teenage base, and this song is sure to please them. The song shows both stars at their best while singing about experiencing love at first sight. “All I know is you said hello, and your eyes look like coming home. All I know is a simple name, and everything has changed,” the two sing together in harmony during the acoustic tune. It’s so saptastic!
Begin Again – Begin Again is the second song from Red that fans were introduced to, and I’ve loved it ever since. Taylor introduced the song on Good Morning America, telling fans it’s about going on a first date after a bad breakup. It’s refreshing, and romantic. Taylor is known for her breakup songs, but she’s also known for remaining a hopeless romantic despite a trail of unsuccessful relationships.
What did you think of Red? Let me know in the comments!!!